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Building up the pharmacy workforce

RPS England responds to think tanks' workforce report

Commenting on 'Closing the Gap', the report on the needs of the NHS workforce in England from the Nuffield Trust, The King's Fund and the Health Foundation, Sandra Gidley, Chair of the RPS in England said: 

“This is an important review showing the impact of current workforce issues. It’s encouraging to see this report agrees with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society that greater use of pharmacists across the system to deliver care as part of the multidisciplinary team will improve patient outcomes. 

“Pharmacists will be central to reducing pressure on the health service, supporting public health and prevention, reducing avoidable hospital admissions, and reducing over-medication.

“We also welcome the report’s call for new ways of working in primary care to support people with mental health problems, and we know that pharmacists can play a role.

“As the NHS Long-Term Plan and GP contract drive a move towards a clinical and service-led model, local commissioners must ensure pharmacy is embedded in their plans for primary care networks and system leadership.

“The forthcoming Workforce Implementation Plan will need to enable healthcare professionals to deliver the NHS Long-Term Plan, to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve the way we deliver patient care.

“This must include support for pharmacists, with a focus on education, health and wellbeing and their continuing professional development if we are to see the biggest positive impact of these changes.”

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